Zero waste in the kitchen: 7 tips to avoid wasting anything + Downloadable planner
Zero waste in the kitchen: 7 tips to avoid throwing anything away
Introduction
Adopting a zero-waste approach in the kitchen is a powerful way to help the planet while saving money and cooking healthier meals. Yet, many people believe that reducing kitchen waste is complicated or too restrictive. In reality, with a few simple tips and good habits, you can avoid throwing away a lot of food and packaging, transform leftovers, and make your kitchen a responsible and efficient space.
In this article, we give you 7 detailed tips for avoiding waste in the kitchen . Practical advice, original ideas, and useful products to support you in your zero-waste journey.
Tip 1: Batch cooking: the simple method to reduce food waste in the kitchen
Why batch cooking?
Batch cooking involves preparing a large portion of your meals in advance, usually at the beginning of the week. This method reduces waste because it allows you to better manage quantities and use ingredients before they spoil.
How to do it?
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Plan your meals for the week by listing precisely what you need.
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Buy in appropriate quantities to avoid surpluses.
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Cook in large quantities and store the portions in the refrigerator or freezer.
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Use reusable airtight containers to store food (like our airtight glass containers ).
Recommended products
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Airtight glass containers : keep food fresh longer, avoid disposable plastic packaging.
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Reusable silicone baking mat : for cooking without disposable baking paper.
Tip 2: Reuse leftover vegetables and meals
Vegetables, a treasure to recycle
Peelings, tops and cores can often be reused:
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Make a homemade broth with the peelings of carrots, leeks, celery, onions.
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Prepare carrot or beetroot top chips for a healthy appetizer.
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Cauliflower or broccoli stalks can be added to soups or stir-fries.
Leftover food: get creative!
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Transform leftover rice into cakes or salad.
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Use leftover meat or fish in wraps, omelets, or quiches.
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Soups can be thickened with grated vegetables or legumes.
Recommended products
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Stainless steel multi-tool knife : for easily cutting vegetables and leftovers.
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Stainless steel sieve : for filtering homemade broths and sauces.
Tip 3: Favor bulk purchases and reusable containers
Why buy in bulk?
Buying in bulk drastically reduces plastic and cardboard packaging. It allows you to purchase only the quantity you need, reducing waste.
How to organize?
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Bring your own cloth bags, glass jars or reusable boxes.
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Buy cereals, legumes, spices, dried fruit in bulk.
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Also consider buying household products in bulk for a comprehensive zero-waste approach.
Recommended products
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Organic cotton bulk bags : lightweight, washable and perfect for shopping.
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Glass jars with airtight lids : for storing your bulk purchases at home.
Tip 4: Compost your organic waste
Why compost?
Composting transforms food waste (peelings, fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells) into a rich natural fertilizer for the garden or houseplants.
How to begin?
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Install a small, odorless kitchen composter that is suitable for apartments.
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Learn what can be composted and what cannot.
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Use the compost in your garden or donate it to a local collection point.
Recommended products
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Compact kitchen composter : ideal for reducing waste even in an apartment.
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Biodegradable compostable bag : to easily collect your kitchen waste.
Tip 5: Prepare your own homemade products
Stop buying packaged products!
Making your own products allows you to limit packaging, control the composition and reduce waste.
Some simple homemade ideas:
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Yogurts, breads, jams, sauces.
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Mixed spices, bouillon cubes.
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Household products such as household vinegar, liquid laundry detergent.
Recommended products
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Multifunctional immersion blender : for making homemade soups, sauces, smoothies.
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Glass jars : for storing your homemade preparations.
Tip 6: Use reusable accessories
No more disposables!
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Opt for reusable sandwich bags and beeswax wraps to package your food.
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Opt for washable fabric paper towels.
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Use durable bottles, flasks and containers.
Recommended products
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Bee wraps made of beeswax-coated cotton: natural and reusable packaging for preserving food.
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Stainless steel water bottles : to replace disposable plastic bottles.
Tip 7: Organize your kitchen to reduce waste
A well-organized kitchen reduces waste
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Store the food you use first, within easy reach.
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Use transparent boxes to better see your stock.
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Write the expiry dates on reusable labels.
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Adopt a meal plan and list the leftovers to be consumed.
Recommended products
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Acrylic spice drawer organizer : optimize your space and easily access your condiments.
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500ml airtight container: effectively preserve your dry foods
Useful links:
- https://librairie.ademe.fr/dechets-economie-circulaire/6219-zero-dechet.html
- https://www.zerowastefrance.org/
Conclusion
Adopting a zero waste approach in the kitchen requires a little organization and creativity, but the benefits are immense: reduced waste, savings, healthier food, and the satisfaction of participating in a sustainable lifestyle.
With these 7 practical and easy-to-implement tips, you have everything you need to transform your kitchen into a responsible and zero-waste space. Get started today with the right accessories to support you on this zero-waste journey.
To help you take action easily, download our free Zero Waste Planner – your practical guide to planning your meals without waste. Enter your email and receive it directly in your inbox!
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about zero waste in the kitchen
What is zero waste in the kitchen?
Zero waste in the kitchen aims to reduce food waste and packaging as much as possible to limit environmental impact.
How to properly store food to avoid waste?
Use airtight containers, freeze leftovers, plan your meals and prioritize consuming foods close to their expiration date.
What types of waste can be composted?
Organic waste such as peelings, coffee grounds, eggshells, and stale bread can be composted. Avoid meat, fish, and dairy products.
How to start composting in an apartment?
Use a compact composter or worm composter specifically designed for indoor use.
What are the advantages of buying in bulk?
Buying in bulk reduces packaging, allows you to buy the right quantity and promotes short supply chains.
How to reuse leftover vegetables?
Prepare homemade broths, leaf chips, soups or sauces with the parts that are usually thrown away.
What utensils are essential for a zero-waste kitchen?
Airtight containers, reusable bags, accessories for storing and preparing homemade food, as well as durable tools such as knives and blenders.